Delia Smith Vegetable Soup is a classic, nourishing dish that celebrates the flavors and textures of fresh vegetables. Packed with a variety of seasonal produce, herbs, and a simple yet savory broth, this soup is a testament to the comfort and satisfaction that can be found in a bowl of homemade goodness. It’s an ideal recipe for those seeking a healthy, warming meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Let’s get started!
What is Delia Smith Vegetable Soup Recipe?
Delia Smith vegetable soup recipe is a simple and delicious way to make a hearty and satisfying soup with root vegetables, split peas, stock, and herbs. It is one of the signature dishes of Delia Smith, a famous British cook who has written many bestselling cookbooks and hosted many TV shows. She is known for her reliable and easy-to-follow recipes that use everyday ingredients and techniques. Her vegetable soup recipe is slow-cooked in the oven for a long time, which makes the vegetables soft and the soup thick and creamy. It is also fat-free, making it a healthy and low-calorie option.
Typically serving 4-6 people, Delia Smith’s Vegetable Soup is straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for a wholesome family lunch or a light, comforting dinner.
Other Soup Recipes
- Mary Berry Vegetable Soup Recipes
- Delia Smith Broccoli and Stilton Soup
- Mary Berry Broccoli and Stilton Soup
Why You Love this Recipe
This recipe will become a favorite for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: This soup requires no complex techniques or special equipment. A basic kitchen setup with a large pot, a knife, a peeler, and a choice between a blender or a sieve is all you need.
- Cost-Effective: Utilizing affordable and common ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen, this soup is budget-friendly. It’s also a great way to repurpose any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
- Customizable and Satisfying: Whether you choose to serve it as a light starter or a hearty main course, this soup’s flavor and consistency can be tailored to your taste. Adding meat, cheese, or cream can transform it into a more decadent dish.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The slow cooking melds the flavors of various vegetables and herbs, creating depth and complexity in taste. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, offering both comfort and nourishment.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 oz (110 g) streaky bacon, rinded and chopped small
- 3 pints (1.7 liters) stock or water
- 8 oz (225 g) yellow or green split peas, washed
- 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 large celery sticks, trimmed and chopped
- 2 large leeks, trimmed, washed, and sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- To serve: Greek yogurt and chopped fresh chives (optional)
Useful Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large flameproof casserole or pot with a lid
- A knife and a peeler
- A blender or a sieve
- A measuring cup and a spoon
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
Follow these steps to make the soup:
Step 1: Preheating the Oven
- Temperature Setting: Start by preheating your oven to gas mark 1, which is equivalent to 275°F (140°C). This is a crucial step for the slow cooking process that follows.
Step 2: Cooking Bacon and Onion
- Melting Fat: In a large casserole or pot, begin by melting the fat. Use medium-high heat for this step.
- Adding Ingredients: Once the fat is melted, add the bacon and onion to the pot.
- Cooking Time: Let these ingredients cook together for about 5 minutes.
- Consistency Check: Stir the mixture occasionally. The onions should become soft and translucent, indicating they are cooked through.
Step 3: Adding Vegetables and Peas
- Incorporating Ingredients: Add the rest of your vegetables, split peas, bay leaves, and your choice of stock or water into the pot.
- Boiling and Simmering: Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let the soup simmer.
- Duration: Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Skimming Foam: During this simmering period, skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 4: Oven Cooking
- Oven Placement: After simmering, cover the pot with its lid and place it in the lowest part of your preheated oven.
- Duration: Cook in the oven for approximately 3 hours.
- Texture Check: The soup is done when the vegetables and split peas are tender, and the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Pureeing the Soup
- Removing Bay Leaves: After oven cooking, remove the pot from the oven and take out the bay leaves.
- Blending Soup: Puree the soup in batches using a blender or a sieve. You can adjust the texture according to your preference, making it smooth or leaving some chunks for a rustic feel.
- Reheating: Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Seasoning
- Flavor Adjustment: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and parsley to taste.
Step 7: Serving
- Plating the Soup: Serve the soup hot in individual bowls.
- Garnishing Options: For an extra touch, garnish each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some chives if you like.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your soup with crusty bread, crackers, or as a standalone dish.
Your Delia Smith Vegetable Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
When serving Delia Smith’s vegetable soup, consider these pairing options to enhance your dining experience:
- Bread or Crackers: Opt for crusty bread or your favorite crackers to soak up the rich, hearty flavors of the soup.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the soup, balancing its richness with a touch of freshness and crunch.
- Wine Pairing: Elevate your meal with a glass of wine. A white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the soup’s flavors beautifully, while a lighter red such as Pinot Noir or Merlot adds a touch of elegance to your dining experience.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
Maximize the quality of your Delia Smith vegetable soup with these expert tips:
- Uniform Vegetable Cutting: Chop all vegetables into evenly sized pieces. This not only ensures uniform cooking but also results in a more consistent blend.
- Selecting the Right Pot: Opt for a large, sturdy pot. This is crucial to prevent the soup from sticking and burning, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Oven Placement: Place the soup on the oven’s lowest shelf. This technique helps in slow-cooking the soup without it boiling over or bubbling too vigorously.
- Regular Stirring: Stir the soup from time to time. This prevents the split peas from sinking and sticking to the bottom of the pot, avoiding any burnt taste.
- Batch Blending: When pureeing the soup, do it in batches. This avoids overloading your blender or sieve, ensuring a smooth consistency without any mess.
- Careful Reheating: Reheat the soup gently to maintain its texture and flavors, preventing it from separating or scorching.
Variations of Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
Customize and experiment with the Delia Smith vegetable soup using these variations:
- Diverse Root Vegetables: Try different root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas. For a twist, incorporate other vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach, adding these in the final hour as they cook faster.
- Legume Varieties: Switch up the split peas with yellow or green varieties, or even explore other legumes like lentils, beans, or chickpeas, adjusting liquid quantities and cooking times as needed.
- Protein Additions: Enhance the soup with proteins like ham, chicken, or sausage for added flavor. Incorporate cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or cream cheese for a richer, creamier soup. Alternatively, add cream, milk, or sour cream for a silkier texture.
- Spices and Herbs: Elevate the flavor with spices like garlic, ginger, curry, or cumin for an extra zing. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage can also be added to infuse the soup with aromatic freshness.
How do I store Delia Smith Vegetable Soup Leftovers?
You can store Delia Smith vegetable soup leftovers by:
Refrigerating
- Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
- Refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Label the container or the bag with the name and the date of the soup, to avoid confusion and spoilage.
Freezing
- Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag.
- Leave some space at the top of the container or the bag, to allow for expansion.
- Freeze the soup for up to 3 months, or longer if you use a deep freezer.
- Label the container or the bag with the name and the date of the soup, to avoid confusion and freezer burn.
How do I reheat Delia Smith Vegetable Soup Leftovers?
You can reheat Delia Smith vegetable soup leftovers by:
Microwaving
- Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl or a mug.
- Cover the bowl or the mug with a lid or a paper towel, to prevent splattering and drying out.
- Microwave the soup for 2 to 3 minutes, or until hot, stirring halfway through.
- Add some water or stock if the soup is too thick, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Stovetop
- Transfer the soup to a saucepan or a pot.
- Heat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add some water or stock if the soup is too thick, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Final Words
Delia Smith vegetable soup is a classic and delicious recipe that you can make easily and cheaply at home. It is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables and to enjoy a warm and comforting meal. It is also healthy and low-fat, but still satisfying and filling. You can serve it as a starter or a main course, and customize it to your preference. Try this recipe today and see for yourself why it is one of Delia Smith’s most popular dishes!